Echo was an Oread or Orestiad, meaning a type of nymph that lived in mountains, valleys, and ravines. The Oreads were associated with Artemis, the goddess of hunting.

Zeus used to loved consorting with Goddess and nymphs. Hera, became suspicious, towards Zeus for his many affairs.

Though vigilant, whenever she was about to catch him, Echo distracted her with lengthy conversations.

When at last Hera realized the truth, she cursed Echo. To punish her, Hera took away her most valuable possession: her voice.

Hera permitted Echo only to reply in foolish repetition of another’s shouted words. Thus, all Echo could do was mimic the words of the speaker.

Sometime after being cursed, Echo spied a young man, Narcissus, while he was out hunting deer with his companions.

Narcissus was a hunter who was known for his beauty. He was the son of the river-god Cephissos, and Liriope.

Echo immediately fell in love with Narcissus.

Narcissus sensed someone was behind him and shouted “Who’s there?”. Echo repeated “Who’s there?”. She eventually revealed her identity and attempted to embrace him. He stepped away and told her to leave him alone. Echo was heartbroken and spent the rest of her life in lonely glens until nothing but an echo sound remained of her.

Narcissus was not finished. A handsome man named Ameinius was one of the vain youth’s most ardent admirers and relentlessly vied for his attention. So what did Narcissus do? The conceited youth responded to the entreaties by sending his suitor a sword, telling him to prove his adoration.

Not knowing how else to prove his adoration, Ameinius proceeded to plunge the sword into his heart, committing suicide to demonstrate his love.

As he lay dying, he beseeched the gods to punish the heartless Narcissus.

The goddess of the hunt, Artemis, (according to other versions it could have been Nemesis, the goddess of revenge, instead) learnt of this story and decided to punish Narcissus. Hence, she caused Narcissus to fall in love…but the kind of love that “could never be fulfilled”.

Narcissus came upon a clear spring at Donacon in Thespia, Narcissus stooped down to drink, and saw his own image in the water; he thought it was some beautiful water-spirit living in the fountain.

The spell of Artemis had totally mesmerized him, and for hours he sprawled by the spring, until at last he recognized himself.

Unable at last to stand the agony Narcissus plunged a dagger in his heart and died, calling out a final goodbye to his reflected image.

When Narcissus died, wasting away before his own reflection, consumed by a love that could not be, Echo mourned over his body. As he was looking one last time into the pool uttered, “Oh marvellous boy, I loved you in vain, farewell”, Echo too chorused, “Farewell.”

The myth tells that where his blood soaked the earth sprung up the white narcissus flower with its red corollary, forever growing at the water’s edge, its head inclined towards the water.

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Many issues traditionally associated with the mirror are present in this myth by Ovid.

Firstly, Beauty. Ovid characterizes it in two ways. On the one hand, he defines it as divine. Since Narcissus is the son of a river, Cephissos, and a nymph of great beauty, Liriope. The poem also compares Narcissus hair with Apollo´s.

Moreover, the poet evokes the effects of its beauty. The text constantly plays with “water” and “erotic fire”, as it appears in the eyes of the young, reaching torches and funeral fires. He also mentions the alternating brightness and burning, and shade and coolness.

The combination of Beauty and Death, entailed by Love, finds its ultimate expression in the last image of Narcissus, who still faces each other, as in the mirror of Persephone, in the water of the Styx.

But the main subtle topic, before that one of Beauty, is Illusion, announced in the episode of Echo. Narcissus, deceived in the beginning (verse 385) by duplicating the voice is then victim of the of his appearance . Since Eco is condemned to imitation, she does not cease to be “another”, much more different as their otherness as marked on the opposition of the sexes.

Echo is not just the female counterpart of Narcissus, as it is not a series of opposed elements, the most important of which is that she loves him and he did not. Echo is, in the aural scope, the equivalent of the reflection that captivates Narcissus´eyes.

And in that slip of the reciprocal element of Love, the reflective, homoeroticism – is a decisive step: it is one of the rejected male lovers who, as Aminias invokes divine vengeance against Narcissus (verses 404/405).

The illusion that produces the fallacious spring (verse 427) is expressed in two ways.

Replaced by the unreal reality, a body of flesh turns into a reflection of water: without consistency (verse 417), a living being a fugitive image (verse 431). Narcissus (verse 432) does not know the impalpable nature of reflection. The error of Narcissus is shown firstly when he has a dialogue with his own image (verses 458/459), moving from illusory reciprocity to pure reflexivity: “You, that’s me I ” (verse 463). Narcissus, who is attracted by his double, will not be soon more than a shadow in Hades, who will yet be looking for its reflection.

Thus, Narcissus is merely image. Since his body rejects any contact with the other, since he is not intended to embrace an impalpable image of his own reflection. The iconic character is inevitably highlighted When Narcissus is enraptured in front of his double, he compares himself with “a statue carved in marble of Paros” (verse 419).

“While he is drinking he beholds himself reflected in the mirrored pool—and loves; loves an imagined body which contains no substance, for he deems the mirrored shade a thing of life to love”.

“All that is lovely in himself he loves, and in his witless way he wants himself:—he who approves is equally approved; he seeks, is sought, he burns and he is burnt. And how he kisses the deceitful fount; and how he thrusts his arms to catch the neck that’s pictured in the middle of the stream! Yet never may he wreathe his arms around that image of himself”.

“What is it I implore? The thing that I desire is mine—abundance makes me poor. Oh, I am tortured by a strange desire unknown to me before, for I would fain put off this mortal form; which only means I wish the object of my love away”.

“As often as the love-lore boy complained, “Alas!” “Alas!” her echoing voice returned; and as he struck his hands against his arms, she ever answered with her echoing sounds. And as he gazed upon the mirrored pool he said at last, “Ah, youth beloved in vain!” “In vain, in vain!” the spot returned his words; and when he breathed a sad “farewell!” “Farewell!” sighed Echo too”.

“And now although among the nether shades his sad sprite roams, he ever loves to gaze on his reflection in the Stygian wave. His Naiad sisters mourned, and having clipped their shining tresses laid them on his corpse: and all the Dryads mourned: and Echo made lament anew. And these would have upraised his funeral pyre, and waved the flaming torch, and made his bier; but as they turned their eyes where he had been, alas he was not there! And in his body’s place a sweet flower grew, golden and white, the white around the gold”.

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“Narcissus transforms into a flower” by Nicolas-Bernard Lépicié (1771).-

After- and probably as a consequence of having rejected the nymph Echo- he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.

Unable to consummate his love, Narcissus kept on gazing into the pool until he finally changed into a flower, the narcissus.

Narcissim is related to the concept of excessive selfishness and egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes.

Narcissism is a concept in psychoanalytic theory, which was popularly introduced in Sigmund Freud’s essay “On Narcissism” (1914).

The American Psychiatric Association has had the classification narcissistic personality disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) since 1968, drawing on the historical concept of megalomania, meaning “a condition or mental illness that causes people to think that they have great or unlimited power or importance”. (Source: Merriam Webster Dictionary).

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of understanding of others feelings. People affected often spend a lot of time thinking about achieving power, success, or their appearance. They often take advantage of the people around them. The behavior typically begins by early adulthood, and occurs across a variety of situations. The dynamo of Narcissistic personality disorder is the so-called “Narcissistic supply“, which is a concept introduced into psychoanalytic theory by Otto Fenichel in 1938, to describe a type of admiration, interpersonal support or sustenance drawn by an individual from his or her environment and essential to their self-esteem.

The term is typically used in a negative sense, describing a pathological or excessive need for attention or admiration in dependents and the orally fixated, that does not take into account the feelings, opinions or preferences of other people.

In order for a person to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) they must meet five or more of the following symptoms:

♠Has a grandiose sense of self-importance. This entails a sustained, unrealistic sense of being superior—better than other people. It also refers to a sense of uniqueness; the belief that few others have anything in common with oneself and that one can only be understood by a few or very special people.

♠Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

♠Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, etc. This refers to the narcissist’s need to fend off inner emptiness, feel special and in control, and avoid feelings of defectiveness and insignificance.

♠Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)

♠Requires excessive admiration. Narcissists need admiration all the time. They surround themselves with others who will give them positive reinforcement.

♠Has a very strong sense of entitlement, i.e, unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations

♠Is exploitative of others. Narcissists lack empathy, feel entitled and above the rules, and see other people as appendages whose sole purpose is to fill them with narcissistic supply.

♠Lacks empathy, this is a hallmark of the disorder in the same way that fear of abandonment is in borderline personality disorder.

♠Is often envious of others. Narcissists must be superior to others in every single way. So when someone else has something they don’t have that they want: admiration, status, skills, objects, the narcissist sees it as a major threat. Like so much else in the narcissistic mind, it is unconscious, discounted and denied, which makes it more treacherous for the object of his envy.

excellent as always! I loved reading about Narcissus here, first time I ever knew his story. I have always heard of him but not the whole story, involving echo and the guy who wanted revenge after being duped into killing himself.

I know, right?… I have also read part of the story. Until I came across Ovid´s account… I recommend you an alternative retelling of this myth as it appears in “le roman de la rose”… Sending love! Aquileana 😀

Polytheism might be a good alternative facing Doomsday and so on… at least responsabilities and tasks could be better distributed 🙂
Thank you very much for dropping by, dear Jacqui. All the best to you. Aquileana 🙂

This is a beautifully detailed text Aquileana. Fascinating and enchanting , a trip into the world if mythology that is captivating , entertaining and enlightening. Thank you for all the effort you put into this lovely article. Bravo! ❤

Mythology encloses a plethora of diverse psychologic behaviors in every story told, the Narcissus and Echo is one of the richest in behavioral definitions that are found in almost every modern romantic novels yet controversial in our times. You’ve done an excellent work my dear Aquileana! Hugs! 🙂

Dear HJ… thanks for such a thoughtful comment… I agree with you: greek mythology provides a rich background when it comes to Psychology Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis… I am not only thinking of Narcissistic personality disorder but about Oedipus Complex, one of the most important concepts in Freud´s theory.
Thank you very much for dropping by!. Love & all the best to you. Aquileana 🙂

Well… that´s a good point! 😉 and yes, It would be cool, putting aside the sad ending of this myth… In real life most narcissistic might live happily ever after I guess… But a myth should teach us a lesson! ;)… love & best wishes. Aquileana 😀

As usual, I only knew the big-picture details regarding Echo and Narcissus. So thanks for continually fleshing out the gaps 🙂 On a side note, I had a basset when I was a kid named Echo. My friend and I randomly picked the same when leafing through a book.

Thanks so much dear Jeri… I like the way Echo repeats Narcissus´words… but just partially… hence causing a distortion in the message… I guess certain virtual messages (chats) might have a similar effect… Thanks for telling me about your childhood … that´s a good memory! 😉 Sending all my best wishes! Aquileana 🙂

Oh dear, I am sorry to have sullied your beautiful blog with a political jibe! As a former mental health professional, I should have described him as narcissistic. The real disorder is quite disabling. Megalomaniac personality sounds much better. Love Kerry xx

No worries at all… You brought a very interesting point here. And, a republican below said Obama might fit the disorder… I think Trump seems to be more the type But Well… Basically, it is a subjective issue, I guess 😉 Love back at you. And Thank you!.

Thanks so much dear Sally… as I wrote back above… ” I guess it (Trump´s example) could be the case… not sure if under a psychiatric diagnosis though… but he certainly seem to be a megalomaniac personality!”…
All the best to you! Aquileana 😀

My darling angel, I don’t know that I have ever seen this myth so well done, including all you’ve said about narcissism. You have come at it from every angle. Absolutely fabulous. Been waiting for another gem from you xxxx

Oh, so well written, Aquileana. Such tenderness is evident in your writings. Your love clearly shows through.
I hadn’t known how Narcissus died. A strange, yet fitting end for one so self obsessed; and yet sad for those for whom this speaks.
Well done to your storytelling prowess. ❤

Thank you very much for such a nice, thoughtful comment dear Carolyn… you are quite right… this myth teaches us that being extremely self confident or proud of oneslef´attributes is not always a good thing… the golden mean: that´s the key…. not too much, nor that little ! 😉 Love & best wishes . Aquileana 🙂

Thank you very much dear Debbie… and yes, I remember those features from your mom as they showed up in “Conflicted hearts” . I have met more of one of these sorts too…. Sending love and best wishes for your day and beyond ❤ Aquileana

Aquileana this one is so fascinating to me. I had no idea about the roots of the word narcissism. I always learn so much coming to your blog. Definitely enjoyed this read my friend. Hoping you are having a great week.

Hi dear Sue… Thanks so much for your words, my friend.—- Knowing that you learnt something new with this posts is great and makes me happy!. Sending love and best wishes. have a great day!❤ Aquileana 🙂

I found this story very interesting. It amazes me how deep the mythology is as it contains human traits, which are universally relevant. I feel sorry for ‘echo’…who still reverberates the sound it hears! Thanks for sharing another wonderful post. Have a blessed week. 🙂

Thanks so much for your words, dear Balroop … I agree with you: mythology is a nevereNding source of knowlegde and we should consider it one of the most important (if not the most) legacies from Ancient Times!. Love & best wishes. Aquileana 🙂

Wow! This is great telling Aquileana…..seamlessly so too, and does make for a fun and super-exciting read! Narcissus totally got what was coming to him! Plus, I absolutely appreciate how you related this pretty fantastical and fascinating folklore to both the flower and the medical condition…NPD! It does grab! Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge with the world! At. It. Girl! 😄😎

Dera Yemie… thanks so much for such nice words, my friend… I am pleased to know that you liked the post. My next post will compare Adonis´and Narcissus ´death, highlighting the importance of flowers in both cases… You got the avant premiere ! 😉 Love & best wishes. Aquileana:)

You do a wonderful job with these posts, A! Truly! Intriguing information for the mind and truly beautiful art for the soul. I could just stare those images for hours. Every time I learn something new. Love the way you weave these posts together. Hope all is well in your life, Aquileana!! ❤

Hi Noora…. thanks so much for your nice comment!. I am very glad to know that you liked the post… I loved visisting your blog and reading your newest poems. It is great to see you back! 😉 wishing you a beautiful day! Aquileana 🙂

A very well written post! Ofcourse I have to add ‘as always’. I never got to read the complete story of Narcissus and it’s analysis. You have done a wonderful job Aqui. Thanks for sharing. I read a one liner poem on Narcissus by Richard Ankers which sums it all up beautifully and can’t get it out of my mind-
“Lost in Reflection
In reflecting lost”

Hi there SKD!… Those lines from Richard´s poem are wonderful… the effect of the reflection spreads its power over words… I love when poems speak about language as they reveal meanings… Thanks so much for your kind words and for dropping by… wishing you a beautiful day! Aquileana 🙂

Hi Aquileana! I did not know all of this story, but I loved it. Thanks for sharing it, and the fascinating explanation of the disorder Narcissism… I think I know a few people like that! Lol! I am really enjoying this education in Greek Mythology you are giving me. I was obsessed with Greek myths as a child, but my memory only retains part of what I read. It is so nice to have all the gaps filled in now, and to be able to understand them as an adult. I also very much enjoyed the quotes. Even though it was written so long ago, it is still so clear and relevant today. And the language is beautiful. I wouldn’t have got very far with the Spanish version, though… I can order 2 beers and 2 ice creams in Spanish, and that’s about it! Haha! 😄😣😂 Have a lovely week!

Hi there dear Ali!…. thanks for such nice words… I love your posts and gotta thank you for your lessons there too!…I am very glad to know that you enjoyed the post… and well, when it comes to mythology… most times we tend to remember the most essential features… and forget the details or just never have the chance to learn about them…. There is something probably related to the collective unconscious which makes certain topics and or characters familiar to us… Such is Narcissus´case… But we might have hardly known about Echo… Digging into meanings and details is what makes Mythology a never-failing source of knowledge…
Last.. but not least: ordering that stuff in Spanish could be enough… to survive!.. 🙂 Sending love & best wishes. Aquileana 😀

I loved studying myth in the Greek and Roman worlds at uni. Ovid’s book is mind blowing. It is really weird because I was discussing this myth with my husband the other day. I totally forgot about the flower bit. Love your psychological summary.

I read this story long ago. I’m a voracious reader from my childhood and my grandpa gifted me many books. One of them was stories from Greek mythology. I always feel sorry for Echo and I wonder why Hera used to curse the women/goddesses who were involved with Zeus in some way. It’s not their fault after all.

You have presented another beautiful and well-researched article, dear Aquileana, thanks for enriching my knowledge 🙂

Hi dear Mani… my mom taught my brother and I some greek myths when we were kids too… we have that in common! 🙂 You are quite right: Echo´s luck was not a fair one, so to speak… and Hera has been always depicted as a mean, Super jealous wife, who punished his husband´lovers instead of facing the latter… This is a misogynist trait for sure.
Thank you very much for your comment, my friend. Have a great day! Aquileana 😀

Aquileana, what an interesting post revealing the mythological story behind the origin of the concept of narcissism, and the association of Narcissus with Echo. The interpretation that echo is the equivalent of Narcissus´ reflection is particularly interesting.

Great vantage point on narcissism – this posting. You keep on impressing me with your insight into the meaning and knowledge of myths from ancient history, Aquileana. Such a pleasure to read. Much appreciated 🙂

I’ve always used this word, knowing only half of the story. I was literally spell-bound while reading the first part of your post. Your storytelling is exceptional, Aquileana.
And poor Echo. I never knew there was a story behind ‘echo’ word. Thanks a lot for sharing this beautiful story, dear. I really appreciate it 🙂

PS: I play this game on my PS3 – God Of Wars – and the main character in it is Kratos. I’m sure you might know about him and his story too. Can you please share your knowledge about Kratos with me? Please!

Hi there dear Henna!. thanks so much for such nice words… coming from a writer like you, they mean a lot 🙂
what I liked the most about Greek Mythology is the symbolism and morals behind the myths… there is a inexhaustible accumulation of depth right there… As to your question, I knew at first sight that Cratos (or Kratos) was a deity related to war, hence to Hephaestus
I found this information online: “Kratos was the personification of strength and power in Greek mythology, son of the Titans Pallas and Styx. He was the brother of Nike (victory), Bia (force), and Zelus (zeal), and the four siblings were the enforcers of Zeus. Along with Hephaestus and Bia, he managed to constrain Prometheus and bind him at the peak of the Caucasus, as punishment for his actions against Zeus’ will.
According to other sources, he was an illegitimate child of Zeus with an unnamed mortal woman”… (Source: http://www.greekmythology.com/ ).
I should write about him one day!… thank you, your question was helpful to me! 😀 Love & best wishes. Aquileana 🙂

Thanks a lot, Aquileana. I really appreciate it. I actually play God Of Wars and Kratos is the protagonist or more like the ‘anti-hero’ in this game. I was really impressed by his courage in the game and had to ask.
Thanks​ again!
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

This has always been one of my favourite myths. I love all the paintings you have found to illustrate your fascinating post. Have a wonderful weekend, dear Aquileana – much love and best wishes, Clare xxXXxx 🙂

Thank you very much dear Clare. I am always glad to read to feedback and hear from you… you are one of my most loyal readers and have been here for quite a long time now my friend… I am grateful! !😀 Love & best wishes. Aquileana:)

It was a real pleasure to read your posts, dear Aquileana, the information concerning Narcissm and Narcisus and tragic side of this people, who are unable to love another person! Thank you very much and have a good summer. Un grande abbraccio Martina

Dear Martina… you have highlighted a very important point here: the inability to love other person… Narcissus ´story is one of loneliness as well!… thanks so much for your thoughtful comment!… Love and all my best wishes! Aquileana:)

A brilliant post, your writing crosses over into my life so often, one of my final essays was to compare two operas heavily influenced by the writings of Ovrid (Metamorposes) and Virgil ( Georgics) based on Orpheus from Greek Mythology. never good to get too full of your own self importance!

Thank you very much dear Charlotte… your essay subject sounds so interesting… I have not read Virgil´s “Georgics”… but I can assert that Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” is an excellent book and overall Greek Mythology summary!. I appreciate the thoughtful comment and visit, my friend…
Love and all my best wishes! Aquileana:)

One of the most memorable stories for me. Extremely sad… I love your analyses dear, Aquileana, and how you brought the great Sigmund Freud into it. I was married to a narcissist for fourteen years. I think they actually believe they love you and therefore think you owe them everything because of it and are blind to the fact that they love only themselves and are completely devoid of empathy.

Thank you very much dear Kev… I have known some narcissists as well… and know exactly what you mean… narcissistic supply is their fuel, and through it, they control you!. All my best wishes! Aquileana:)

This was another superb post, in which you not only detailed the mythology of Echo and Narcissus, but gave the psychoanalytical interpretation of its meaning. The mythology of Echo and Narcissus is one of the most haunting for me, as it deals with both the destructive powers of unrequited love and Narcissistic love. Mythology has a lot to teach us about human flaws and consequences.

Thank you you for sharing your informative and thought-provoking thoughts on mythology and its interpretation.

Thank you very much dear Linnea… Your analysis is powerful and truly resonated with me… particularly when you state that this myth “deals with both the destructive powers of unrequited love and Narcissistic love”… I could not have said it better, myself! 🙂 Wishing you a great weekend…. All my best wishes! Aquileana 🙂

Your posts are always so interesting and I enjoy reading them and learning new things from them. And you put them together with such great images. Another great one my friend. Love and hugs, Natalie 🙂 ❤

We have all heard of the myth of the man who had fallen in love with himself, although I thought he had drowned after seeing his reflection in the water and wanting to kiss it. I suppose there must be many versions of the original story. I didn’t know about Echo, though, and this side of the myth was definitely borrowed for The Little Mermaid film, when Ursula, the Sea Witch, tricks Ariel into trading her voice for a pair of legs.

Thank you so much for sharing another beautiful, if tragic, myth, Aquileana.
Sadly, I believe I know a few narcissistic people and one can only feel sorry for them!

Hi there dear Fatima!… The point concerning The Little Mermaid makes more sense to me… there are always echoes (redundant redundance) of popular myths in fairy tales and onwards… The sleeping beauty, who is poisoned by a witch with an apple has many elements in common with the apple of discord or golden apple which might eventually lead to the trojan war, for instance… and there are still other examples.
I am so pleased to know that you liked the post, my friend… thanks so much!… happy weekend ahead. Love! Aquileana ⭐

Well done as always! I knew some of the basics of Narcissus but learned new facts with your post. A lovely story of love and illusions! Perhaps Mr. Trump has NPD and a bit of Narcissistic supply. You are the best!

I guess it might be the case… he seems to be (at least) very proud of himself… 😀 thanks so much for sharing your views!… Very glad to read your comment!. happy weekend ahead. Love and best wishes. Aquileana⭐

Very enjoyable post…once again, lady. You know, I had never heard the story of Echo before. I’m sure most have heard of Narcissus. I kind of feel sorry for the guy…don’t know why. You can’t help it if you’re cool, or the gods trick you!! You won an award at Bloggers Bash!?? Congrats (first I’ve seen it, as I’m traveling and have not been commenting on other blogs)

Thank you very much dear badfish… So glad to know that you enjoyed the reading and found this post interesting!… Oh, yes, I am still thrilled due to the fact of winning the Bash Award for most informative Blog… So grateful evryoe who voted for me… I hope you had a great trip and let´s see where you are going to go next! 😉 Happy weekend! 💫Love and best wishes. Aquileana⭐

An exemplary essay as ever my friend, I am always impressed with our thoroughness as well as your style. Although familiar in parts with where the word comes from it was good to be thoroughly educated by you. In fact I consider it a pleasure.

Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment, dear Ste!. 🙂 I am humbled!… and I am pleased to know that you liked the post… I appreciate the visit and support my friend. Love and best wishes. Aquileana⭐

Wonderful post! And so interesting…the term “narcissism” keeps coming up over and over again when it comes to talking about certain of our…ahem…presidential candidates.
In any case, I love getting my mythology lessons here. You make it so fascinating! xo

Hi there dear Cynthia!. Thanks a lot for dropping by and for you comment!. 🙂 You are quite right… the presidential race has much to do with “narcissism”… and I am not exclusively pointing out to certain candidate, mind you! … happy weekend to you! . Love and best wishes. Aquileana⭐

🙂 Oh Aquileana you have surpassed yourself With this amazing account of this Mystical story of Echo and Narcissus, I was enthralled by the story and the detail in which you went to in your in-depth research..
And straight away saw the connection to Narcissism and have met one or two personalities portraying these traits..

I do hope you are well dear Aquileana, and your posts I have to say just keep getting better and better if that is at all possible..

Hello there dear Sue!. . Thanks so much for dropping by and for you thoughtful comment!.:) This myth has many layers to analyze, as well as psychoanalytic and psychiatric corollaries… When I read about Narcissus I thought about Icarus., the man who tried to escape from the labyrinth of Crete, wearing a pair of wax wings… his wings melted due to the sun and he feel down into the sea and drowned.. Both myths remind us that we need to stay humble… and that being too self confident or proud of oneself might be a negative thing at times…
Sending love & best wishes for your weekend ahead (and beyond!) . Aquileana 😀

Hello sweet Aquileana, who is the exact opposite of heartless Narcissus. As I was reading the blog post, I was wondering “Is this where the word narcissism comes from?” Aha, you answered my question before I finished my read today – thank you! I have known someone with narcissism so it was a bit difficult to read that part due to the emotions but I did enjoy learning about the myth. Have you read all of the Metamorphoses Book 3 that you linked to? Do you recommend the read for me? As you know, I love learning. Wonderful links and images here in addition to your words. GREAT post, sweetie! xo

Hi Chris… yes, this is where the word narcissism comes from 🙂 Greek Mythology is an inexhaustible source of Knowledge, don´t you think?… I have known narcissists as well… in this case we are making reference to a personality disorder though… the symptoms might have wrongful counterpart over the narcissist´s victim so to speak… that´s why the narcissist supply is a key element… It does entail consequences over the other person… hence it is not just a mere egotism issue…
And… yes!… I´d definitely recommend you Ovid´s “Metamorphoses”… you´ll find many of the most important greek myths there (Ovid was roman though! 🙂 )… thebook is available online … Here is the link: http://www.theoi.com/Text/OvidMetamorphoses3.html … I hope you have special weekend, Birthday Gal! 🙂 Love & best wishes. Aquileana 🙂

Thank you for the link, Aqui!! I’m excited to read the book and you saved me having to find it online… I appreciate it. You are right about there being consequences of narcissism over others…. and I am sending you love as you are so giving and thoughtful xo I am happy to be your friend. Yes, your post was exquisite! 🙂 ((Thanks for the birthday wishes xo))

Reblogged this on Apollo's Raven and commented:
Reblog from La Audacia de Aquiles by Aquileana, one of my favorite blogs on Greek Mythology and its interpretation. The following 7/20/16 post, “Greek Mythology: “Narcissus and Echo” (Interpretation and Psychoanalytical Corollaries), provides an in-depth analysis of this well-known tale.

A story beautifully retold, Aquileana. I knew some of the story of Narcissus, notably about him falling in love with himself/his reflection and eventually turning into the beautiful narcissus flower. I didn’t know how he died though, I knew even less about Echo, including the story of why Hera took away her voice, or how she eventually came to be just ‘an echo in the lonely glens’. And what a sad story for Ameinius! Thank you for this interesting and enlightening post. I really enjoyed reading it.

Dear Millie… As I read your words, I thought of Oscar Wilde´s “Portrait of Dorian Gray”… It is interesting and amazing how greek myths teach us things which might be still in force nowadays, don´t you think?… Thanks a lot for dropping by and for your beautiful comment!. All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀

So well written here, explaining the ‘myths’ of Echo and Narcissus. I say myths in quotes, because I feel these stories are so real, and are expressed and seen age after age. Part of our human dilemma/foibles/energy, I suppose. Yes, this day and age, it seems that Echo and Narcissus have returned, stronger than ever.

So well stated… I completely agree with you… We live in a narcissistic and consumerist Era… so this myth -and its moral- are still in force! Thank you very much for dropping by!. I appreciate.it!.. All the best to you Aquileana

I knew the rough outline of the story of Narcissisus, but I hadn’t heard the part about Echo before, so that was interesting to read, as was the later interpretation of the story. They may be counterparts in a way, but I felt much more sorry for her than I did for him.

Incidentally, whatever problems I may have, I don’t think Narcissistic personality disorder is one of them. I never have the slightest problem ignoring my reflection in mirrors. 🙂

I agree with you… It is a very sad story … but as we are used to feel compassion towards the weakest, I, like you, feel more sorry for Echo than I do for Narcissus…
I loved your ending lines above… haha 😀 well… we´d better stay humble, don´t we?… 😉
Thank you very much for dropping by, Bun! … Happy weekend and best wishes! Aquileana 🙂

Most interesting post! I had not heard the story of Echo before. Fascinating! As for narcissism, well, the best example I can think of would be politicians and celebrities! HA! I hope you’re having a beautiful week, my friend. 😀

So true, dear Linda… politicians and celebrities are good examples of narcissism… but even among regular people we might find many cases… thanks for the visit!. I pleased to know that you liked the post… Love and best wishes. Aquileana ⭐

What a beautifully written post on Greek mythology, explaining the true meaning of narcissism. So fascinating that Narcissus the character as you said is merely an image as he compares himself to a statue – which is an inanimate object…but also a work of art. He thinks he is a work of art, and perhaps some of us do too.

Had no idea that narcissistic personality disorder actually existed, and you fleshed out the meaning behind it so well. I think we are all special, but if we think we are the only special one in this world, then we are truly being narcissist and self-centred 🙂

Hello dear Mable… thanks so much for your thoughtful and clever comment… interestingly enough the fact that he compares himself to a statue reminds us to Plato´s theory of knowledge, according to which Essence or Ideas are the most “real” and “True” elements, whilst shadows, copies or reflections of things are on the bottom of the ontological online… If you have ever read or heard about the allegory of the cave, you´ll know what he means… but If you haven´t this post explain the issue:
Plato´s “Republic”: “The Allegory of the Cave and the Analogy of the Divided Line”:https://aquileana.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/platos-republic-the-allegory-of-the-cave-and-the-analogy-of-the-divided-line/
I fully agree with your last statement.. we need to try to find balance, always… Being confident is great and necessary… but we´d better be not self-centred!… Sending love and best wishes. Aquileana

What a brilliant recap of myth and history as I’ve never heard it before ~ “Zeus used to loved consorting with Goddess and nymphs” and I wish someone would have told Zeus nothing good ever happens after midnight, as it seems the waves of curses and disappointments followed 🙂 Narcissus has always been a character I’ve never understood too much, so this post shed so much light. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead.

this to me is one of the most powerful myths and your telling of it and analysis is superb. I love the comparison of mirror and illusion which is present in so many cultural stories. This world is a reflection of our own desires. This is so apparent in today’s world and it was recognized in the ancient one – and the echo reverberates. Thank you again for the retelling!

Dear Cybele… thanks so much! …. you are quite right when you highlighted the importance of the comparison of mirror and illusion… the analogies and metaphors are as powerful as the moral is in this myth, I believe!. Thanks a lot for dropping by. All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀

Although I knew of Narcissus as a beautiful youth in love with his own image reflected in the water of a spring, this is the first time I learn about the tragic story of Echo in love with Narcissus, so beautifully told by Ovid. Thank you so much for including this excerpt from “Metamorphoses”. And as I read about the Narcissistic Personality Disorder, I began to wonder to what degree those character traits occur in “normal” humans, especially in the present digital age with Instagram, Facebook et cetera, where you get people who can’t get enough of their own likeness displayed on the screen? I have to admit I have to restrain myself from not changing my profile picture on Facebook too often. 🙂

You have done a great job as usual, dear Aquileana. Have a great week! Cheers ❤ Irina

Hi there dear Irina… thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here! 😀 I know what you mean… The disorder is always an unwanted extreme, so to speak… Plus, what defines it (I belive the most important trait) is the fact that the narcissistic subject needs narcissistic supply the whole time… and most times, this is damaging to his victim so to speak… The narcissist is, from this point of view, very much alike an abuser, due to his toxic self-love which needs to feed from others… Social media has much of this at times… particularly when the effects entail a decreased self-esteem of the narcissist´s victim/s, intentionally caused…
Sending love and best wishes my friend… Aquileana 😀

hello aquileana its dennis the vizsla dog hay wow it is a gud thing i am a dog and not so konshus of just how kyoot i am that i wood fall in luv with myself!!! altho to be onnest i am pritty kyoot!!! ha ha ok bye

I’ve always loved the story of Echo and Narcissus. It’s one that more people ought to be reminded of in our modern, self-obsessed world. I’ve never heard of narcissistic personality disorder before, though I know a couple of people who fit the criteria! A great post as always, Aquileana. 🙂

Thanks so much … indeed… Narcissism has much to do with our modern technological and egocentric world… And, yes, when it comes to narcissistic personality disorder… I have also met some peeps who might fit the criteria.
Thanks so much for dropping by… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the reading… Love and best wishes. Aquileana 😀

You are right, this disorder has much to do with our society, in which individualism and hedonism are common traits… Greek mythology has the ability to portrait human beings and gods with their flaws and virtues, and this case is a clear example… Thanks so much for dropping by, dear Anna… I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the reading and appreciate the feedback!… Love and all my best wishes. Aquileana😀

Hello! ….. Hello! Hello? Hello? Stop that! Stop that! You’re making me angry. … You’re making me angry.
LOL.. My sister & I used to torment each other with this “echo game” Ah, memories!
I must admit in the section on NPD, I kept thinking of Donald Trump.
I love this Myth a lot. The entire time I’m reading , I kept hearing “Your So Vain” by Carly Simon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQZmCJUSC6g except I’m hearing “you probably this Myth is about you”
Have the best week sweet Aquileana! xoxo

Hi there dear Resa… Great to read your comment and glad to know that you liked the post…
There are many points concerning NPD which might lead us to associate that disorder with many celebrities and politicians… Donald Trump would be a good example, I guess. I truly like Carly Simon´s song.
“You’re so vain
I’ll bet you think this song is about you
Don’t you? Don’t you?”…
Oh this is a good song which might make sense in this context as well . “This Pretty Face” by Amy Macdonald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph7-BeEQW4Y
Sending much love and best wishes, Aquileana 😀

I wonder if the Narcissist even recognizes his (Trump anyone?) own issue. After all, he spends so much time thinking about and admiring himself, how could he be unaware of it? Aging must be the saddest thing of all for a Narcissist. Thus the need for a young wife and lots of hangers-on to constantly reflect back one’s youth. Of course, in the original story, he didn’t make it to old age, did he?

Hi Brenda… that´s a good point!… I am not so sure the Narcissist recognizes his problem, at least surely not if we are speaking of narcissistic personality disorder.
Your words concerning time and aging reminded me of Shakespeare´s sonnet 18:
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st,
Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade,
When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st.
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee”.
thanks so much for dropping by!. I´ll visit you back very soon (probably tonight).. Love and best wishes. Aquileana ⭐

Hi Aquileana,
The Caravaggio’s and the JW Waterhouse are so beautiful. The theme of Narcissus and Echo is very captivating. I reflect on it now wondering if there is a relationship to pursuits in consciousness where the self or ego disappears. I am thinking about Narcissus’s preoccupation with his reflection ultimately leading to his death. I wonder if death is a sort of metaphor here for ego death. In the telling of this tale, my heart always goes out to Echo. Interestingly is this note that I picked out from what you wrote that lingers for me as an astute observation you made, “Since Eco is condemned to imitation, she does not cease to be “another”, much more different as their otherness as marked on the opposition of the sexes.” So, there’s no way Echo could have even been Narcissus entirely! She’s a different character, and female after all.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ka

Dear Ka… your thoughts reminded me of Jung´s idea of anima and animus, which both together result on the Self… there are many layers here, and that you have well shown through your comment. Narcissus´death could easily represent the Ego death, as well as teach us about the consequences of being too self confident and pride of oneself (after all, there could be even a christian interpretation too considering the ten commandments).
You are quite right as to Echo… she is a character towards who we feel emphaty, not only because of her not reciporcated love , but because of the fact that she is condemned to imitation… I guess in both cases, the Ego is deflated, at least at the very end…
Sending much love and will drop by your blog soon, my friend. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your clever insights! Aquileana ⭐

Hi Aquileana – Your posts are always enlightening, but I found this one especially fascinating. Echo as an aural representation of reflection – this really floored me. Echos are so haunting, and I’ve heard many while wandering through ravines and mountain forests. Have you heard of the psychological disorder- echolalia? The Narcissus myth is familiar, especially in this age of increasing narcissism in the human realm.

Thanks so much for your always thoughtful and accurate words, dear Julie!.
I liked the way Vernant got deep into this myth… the points you have highlighted give the story a new different swift, so to speak!. I am wishing you a wonderful week! Love!. Aquileana 😀

Thank you for the telling of the Narcissus and Echo Myth and the well-done explanation of narcissistic behavior. It does explain the truly “unfathomable” personalities we sometimes come across. My husband’s ex-wife and Donald Trump are classic examples of Narcissists. (Although, understanding the “why” of their behaviors does not make those behaviors palatable in any century.

Aquileana, congratulations on your recent award and on creating another intriguing and exhaustive post. It seems fitting that narcissus flowers are poisonous to eat; it was one flower the deer in our old neighborhood wouldn’t nibble. Human narcissists are hard to stomach too for their extreme lack of empathy. Woe to the man or woman who marries one. Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for a good-willed and down-to-earth husband. Too bad all narcissists didn’t just marry themselves. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy

Hi there dear Wendy!… thanks for giving me those details concerning narcissus flowers… I guess the fact that Narcissus (the character) became one of those flowers makes even more sense now to me…. Too much Self-love could be certainly poisonous or vicious … as all things in excess are… And, yes!… Finding a apartner with whom we can adjust needs is a great thing for sure >3 … have a wonderful day my friend! Bets wishes. Aquileana 😀

Thanks so much… Echo´s voice made me think of the concave reflection of a voice somehow… could sound similar, but the message (being faltering) has a complete different meaning…
Sending all my best wisshes. Aquileana 🙂

Great and thorough post! I only knew about Narcissus from rewritten tales based on the story, but didn’t know the full story itself. I find the part with Echo very interesting. I had no idea there was so much more to the story than just that Narcissus fell in love with his reflection. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

Thank you very much for your words… I am very pleased to know that you enjoyed the post and that you learnt a bunch of new facts concerning Narcissus and this sad, frustrated love. Sending you all my best wishes!. Aquileana 😀

Hahaha… we all might have narcissistic characteristics… the main issue here has to do with the potential victims- the so called narcissistic supply – So, as far as nobody is hurt, It is okay, I guess…
Thanks so much for dropping by and for the comment. I truly appreciate it… all my best wishes. Aquileana 😉

Your posts are so enjoyable and enlightening!! I’ve read bits and pieces of Narcissus’ story however I really appreciate all the work you put into your posts as I come away with a better understanding on some of my favorite myths.

Hi there dear Stephanae!… thanks so much!… I am delighted to know that you enjoyed the post and that it was helpful to clarify certain points as well!- Sending all my best wishes. Have a great night ahead! Aquileana 😀

Dear Aquileana — I had been watching for a new post from you… and then I managed to be this late. This is another truly lovely post, my friend. You gathered such a marvelous collection of artwork for it too. Thanks for sharing it with us. Huge hugs.

(After being out of pocket for a bit, just running back by to check to see what’s been happening here)
Always like mountain myths
Once again a post that shows that the past and old civilizations have connections and impact on modern life.
Have a great week!

[…] to save them or to punish them. Daphne, for example, was changed into a laurel tree; whilst Narcissus and Hyacinthus became the flowers that bear their names. The metamorphoses I have previously […]

Books Care of the Soul (Thomas Moore) and Embracing the Beloved (Stephen Levine) have chapters of great depth (going “beyond” the surface level of the mirror instead of anaylyzing the echo of reflection and image). The myth ends in a positive symbol, the flower. Love of image has the possibiligy to draw our attention to what is at the center and below and the source of the image. Identified as human we are looking AWAY from the image, and in that wasy unwittingly taking the image to BE us! We are beyond any graven image. But this one is so crafty. made by identifying AS it, the only way to dispell it IS to accept it – even love it. Yes, it is painful to not quite grasp your image, but in the trying Narcisuss has the chance of looking beyond the illusion to the truth that He already is imageless Love. What is in the way is always the way In. Love has fallen in love with Its Image on earth, and we are the experience of It waking up to Itself. BE Narcissus instead of seeing Him in ‘other’ or leaving Him only in His internal pain – look directly at this dynmaic instead of judging it; soften the gaze and the Source of the image will be ‘real’ized in the depths, Love that will even see the image in an ever more, not less, lovey way. The flower.

“Identified as human we are looking AWAY from the image, and in that wasy unwittingly taking the image to BE us!”.
That truly resonated with me… I feel that many times we tend to see in others what we are … or what we are not… Curiously, we might exaggerate those features as a sort of projection of ourselves. Others might be a sort of specular reflection, for good or bad.
I love your comment here…. Thank you… And thanks, also, for the books recommendation. All my best wihes! 🙂

As always dear Aquileana, this is a great mythical post and a deeply insightful afternoon read for me. Narcissus, is a myth (and a warning for all over-inflated ego’s!) that fascinates so many. Excellent work! Loved the mythical paintings you’ve included to illustrate the story, great overall layout and wonderful style.
Discovered this just now because Elaine retweeted! Love and light, Deborah.

Thank you very much, dear Deborah… so glad to know that you found it interesting and liked the paintings as well. I think the psychological section might be useful as far as certain types of narcissistic personalities are concerned, by the way 😌😏 much love to you 😘